The Cotton Industry - Burnley's Story

Textile Engineering

The growth of Burnley’s textile industry was accompanied by the development of the engineering industry, particularly the manufacture of steam engines and looms.

The area contained many foundries or ironworks supplying the cotton mills with machinery. The town was renowned for its mill-engines and the “Burnley Loom” was recognised as one of the best in the world. By the 1880s the town was manufacturing more looms than any other place in the country.